Designing a Screened In Porch? Here Are 5 Things To Consider First
A screened-in porch can be a great addition to any home, but before you build, you need to give your screened porch design careful consideration. Failure to do so could result in a sunroom that is too big or too small, that doesn’t match the rest of the home or that isn’t in line with your overall vision. While every project will present its own unique considerations, below are the top five for this type of project.
1. Your Home’s Structure
Though many people consider a screened-in porch an “exterior” structure, it is actually part of the home. As such, it requires the same structural support as any other interior addition. Make sure you have or lay a proper foundation on which the room can rest.
2. Desired Size
The anticipated size of the structure will determine everything from your budget to décor inspiration. When you draw up your screened porch design, include exact measurements and specifications.
3. Accessibility
Many homeowners give thought to the interior entrance of their screened-in porch, but not many consider that they also need an emergency exit. Design the space so that it has a conspicuous point of entry that leads to the outside.
4. Lighting
Yes, the point of a screened-in porch is to enjoy the elements from inside. However, you, like so many homeowners before you, may find that you want to spend time beyond daylight hours out in your new living space. To make this possible, consider electric lighting during the design stage.
5. Budget
Budgeting is an essential part of overall project planning. Ideally, you will have a budget in mind before you even begin to develop a screened porch design, but if you don’t, you should work out the numbers before you start building. The last thing you want is to open up walls and rip up the floorboards only to discover you don’t have the funds to go much further. In addition to accounting for the total cost of the project — from the demolition to the labor to the materials — you should also account for contingencies.
Make your screened-in porch project a success. Keep the five considerations at the top of mind during the planning phase.